Can A HVAC Technician Afford Rent in Oak Ridge, TN?
Stretched but workable — rent takes 38.1% of gross income.
Oak Ridge rent: June 2026. Salary: BLS OEWS May 2024 (Tennessee state estimate).
About rent and a hvac technician salary
HVAC technician pay sits near the US median household income and rises sharply with certification and overtime. At the national-average HVAC salary, the 30% rule supports about $1,433 a month in rent.
Cheaper rent nearby
These Tennessee cities have lower median rent than Oak Ridge, which improves the affordability math on a hvac technician salary:
Compare with full rent data for Oak Ridge
View full rent data for Oak Ridge, TN →Frequently asked questions
Can a hvac technician afford rent in Oak Ridge, TN?
Median rent in Oak Ridge is $1,673 a month. A typical hvac technician in Tennessee earns about $52,716 a year, which makes that rent 38.1% of gross monthly income. Under the 30% rule, the answer is no — rent exceeds the 30% threshold.
How much rent can a hvac technician afford in Oak Ridge?
Using the 30% rule, a hvac technician salary in Tennessee (~$52,716/yr) supports up to $1,318 a month in rent. Oak Ridge's current median rent is $1,673/mo, which is $355/mo over the affordability threshold.
How many hours does a hvac technician work to cover rent in Oak Ridge?
At an hourly equivalent of about $25 an hour, a hvac technician in Tennessee works roughly 66 hours a month to cover Oak Ridge's median rent of $1,673.
Where is rent cheaper than Oak Ridge for a hvac technician?
Nearby Tennessee cities with lower median rent include Dickson ($1,672/mo), Hixson ($1,672/mo), Gallatin ($1,670/mo). Each shifts the affordability math materially on a hvac technician salary.